Anyway to Tighten up Gunbelt Bullet Loops?

Corpral_Agarn · Sep 16, 2013

Hey there THR!
I have a pretty nice western gunbelt that I got from Kirkpatrick Leather. Very comfortable to carry on horseback all day.

The only problem is that when I am riding my horse, sometimes the bullets (45 Colt) will push up and try to fall out! I removed the ones that come in contact with the cantle and still find that some want to come loose.
When I tip the belt upside down many of the bullets fall out by themselves.

Is there a way to shrink those bullet loops? Or maybe some other fix, perhaps?

Thanks for reading!
Thanks for suggestions!

Rob1109 · Sep 16, 2013

How about a thin piece of leather glued inside the offending loops. Really thin depending how loose the loop. Also, wet the loops thoroughly and let them dry in the sun. I would go for the "shims".

Best.

rcmodel · Sep 16, 2013

See this.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=8424234&postcount=9

It may or may not help, depending on how the loops are made.
If they are individually stitched to the belt, adding a thin strip of leather in the back of each one like Rob1109 said might be your only recourse.

If they are a continuous strip strung through slots in the belt, they can be fairly easily tightened.

rc

CraigC · Sep 16, 2013

Honestly, if you're going to go through the trouble to shim, it would be easier and better to just de-stitch and redo the loops. That is, if they are stitched on. If they are woven, which I doubt, it's easy enough to tighten them up. Weaving is the better method but few commercial outfits use it. I'd suggest contacting Kirkpatrick first and foremost.

Did you oil or condition the belt/loops?

This may help for reference:
http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,9631.50.html

whughett · Sep 16, 2013

This fellow is a forum member, rayban, and a leather worker. Belts and such.

rgleather.freehomepage.com

see "sneakypete" post. Handguns,Holsters and Acessories.

rayban · Sep 16, 2013

Try this ...get a towel/rag wet, and rub on the belt loops til they get wet enough that you can pinch them like in the pictures.
The loops should stay pointed...maybe not necessarily pointed depending on how thick the leather is...but out-of-round will do.
Let set to dry....when dry the loops should still be in their out-of-round state and will be tighter around the bullet.

dfariswheel · Sep 16, 2013

There is an old fix, that was often used on new belts just to prevent loosing ammo.

Get a very thick, narrow strip of leather, 10 to 11 ounce or even heavier, or two thicknesses.
Stitch this strip slightly above the loops so you have to press the cartridges down into the loops., until they slip under the thick strip.
The thick strip prevents the cartridges from moving up out of the loops unless you work them past the thick strip.

Corpral_Agarn · Sep 17, 2013

Thanks for the replies, All!

I think i will try Rayban's first, then try the shim idea, then if that doesn't work, i will try the strip of leather above loops.
Not sure if I can stitch the belt, though, it is a fancy 'money' belt with suede on the outside.

Thanks again, Everyone, and if you can think of anything else, please let me know!

rayban · Sep 18, 2013

I should have mentioned that my wetting suggested will only work with veg tanned cowhide.....without knowing what sort of leather you loops are made of, .....may not work.

Corpral_Agarn · Sep 18, 2013

So I got a reply from the belt maker and they said to just send it back to them and they will tighten up the loops. Awesome!

I will send them the belt after we are done with the fall gathering of my familiy's cows up in the Sierras.

Thanks again, All for the replies!

Anyway to Tighten up Gunbelt Bullet Loops?

Corpral_Agarn

Member

Rob1109

Member

rcmodel

Member in memoriam

CraigC

Sixgun Nut

whughett

Member

rayban

Member

Attachments

dfariswheel

Member

Corpral_Agarn

Member

rayban

Member

Corpral_Agarn

Member

Similar threads